Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Aspire to Inspire

After reading the above story about how a random act of kindness changed their lives, I thought about one of my favorite quotes because they are the epitome of this:

"Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great." -Mark Twain

Kevin and Layla, from The Lettered Cottage, are definitely the great people who inspire others to be great as well.

Giving is one of the most important things that "successful" people can do. Remember to give without expectations though. You get what you give, and I firmly believe in that. Some of the most amazing employers treat their employees like gold, and the employees work as if they are loved and valued!

I would love to give something to people every day of my life. You may give hope, a smile, knowledge, or anything really. It's sometimes easier said than done, but even the smallest things can have the biggest impact. A couple of weeks ago, I was moved to tears when a homeless man standing on the side of the street gave me one of the kindest things anyone can give. He gave me one of the most genuine smiles I've seen in a long time. Even though he may not have had material things to give, he gave what he could as he was standing on the street trying to get others to give him even just a little pocket change. Not only did he give me hope that strangers do care, but he also helped me put some things into perspective. Never forget to be thankful each and every day for the things that you do have in life. Some days it may not seem like you have a lot, but you often have more than many people will ever have in their lifetime.

Inspiration and hope are gifts that you can give to anyone, and the even better thing is they don't cost a thing.

"The best things in life are free!"

Some day I hope to have a fulfilling job, and that has nothing to do with how much I make. I'm much more impressed by what people give up to do things they love, rather than how much money people make doing things they do not believe in or value at all. It's not success if you can't share it.